Planting machine and method

ABSTRACT

Expandable stinger planting is described in which stinger probes on a boom end mounted frame are positioned for ground penetration on a boom type vehicle. Bottom ends of the probes are shifted between a closed plant receiving, ground penetrating positions; and open positions with bottom ends open to form a plant discharge opening. A receptacle within the probes is open to the plant discharge opening, and receives plants from a magazine. Plants move by a feeder device in the magazine to a release station, where successive plants may be discharged into the plant receiving receptacle. The plant magazine and plant release station are positioned above the plant receiving receptacle such that a plant moved to the release station may drop into the receiving receptacle, to be discharged through the discharge opening. Packers may be provided on the frame to press planting media about the plants.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/635,829, filed on Aug. 9, 2000 and issued aspatent on Jan. 29, 2002, and which is a continuation in part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/338,322, filed on Jan. 22, 1999 and nowissued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,362; both of which are incorporated byreference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to planting and more particularlyto apparatus for performing planting operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Planting of vegetation in rough terrain has long been a difficultand tedious process. In fact, most planting done on steep embankments orrocky terrain has been accomplished by hand, because mechanized plantersare often not capable of negotiating the terrain. Further, bulkyplanting machinery can damage the surrounding area and seriouslycompromise the surrounding habitat.

[0004] Hand planting in steep, rocky, or otherwise rough terrain isoften not successful because the conditions do not permit the planter todig deep enough to secure the plants. Also riparian areas are typicallydifficult to plant because the plant stock cannot be secured deeply inthe embankment to prevent high water from washing the plants away.

[0005] Re-planting vegetation along riparian ways that have been denudedby flooding is ecologically desirable, not only to bolster theshorelines against erosion, but also to re-establish fish and wildlifehabitat. Still, it is difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible tosuccessfully plant such areas. Shallow rooted whips of willow,cottonwood and the like are easily washed away at high water, or becomeeasy forage for beaver and deer, so strenuous hand planting operationsin such areas do not often result in an acceptable percentage ofsurviving plants.

[0006] Even flat fertile areas can be difficult to re-plant. Forexample, closely spaced stumps in clear cut areas will often prevent theuse of mechanized planting, so expensive hand planting is often the onlyprocess available. Further, the planting media may be bound with roots,rocks, or hard soil, frustrating hand planting processes.

[0007] Another problem faced in mechanized and hand planting operations,is that planting dibbles, shovels, picks and the like will often leave ahole with a packed wall caused by the tool wedging into the soil. This“shear wall” will hamper proper dispersal of roots and often results inpoor or unsuccessful growth.

[0008] A present and growing need is therefore realized for a mechanizedplanter that will reduce, if not eliminate, the need for hand plantingin difficult areas. There is also a need for a mechanized planter thatwill function to plant at a much greater depth than has yet beenfeasible in hand or mechanized planting operations, without creating the“shear wall” effect.

[0009] A need has also remained to reduce the need for an attendant toload a planter in a “single shot” style by which a single plant is handfed to the planter and the planting operation must take place beforeanother plant is hand fed to the planter for a subsequent plantingcycle.

[0010] A need also exists for soil packing about the individual plantsfollowing retraction of the planting device. Packing firms soil aroundthe plant to provide physical support and reduce exposure of the rootarea to air.

[0011] As a solution to the above problems, the present planter can beattached to an excavator boom for remote operation at various angles tothe surrounding terrain, so difficult terrain can be planted fromadjacent accessible areas.

[0012] The present planter may be attached to the bucket end of anexcavator boom and used by the excavator operator for deep plantingoperations that are best used for plants such as whips (tree cuttings)or root crop (such as tree seedlings) in a manner intended to avoid washout and damage from animals. Such planting may be done at locations in aradius from the excavator (within the boom reach) in terrain that wouldnot be otherwise accessible to other mechanized planters.

[0013] A magazine feed may be provided to feed a succession of plants tothe planter and thereby minimize the need for the planter to be movedfrom plant site to loading site after each planting operation. Instead,a plurality of plants may be loaded, then fed successively to theplanter such that numerous planting operations may take place beforereloading is required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings.

[0015]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view illustrating the presentlypreferred planter mounted on an excavator;

[0016]FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a preferred stinger, plantmagazine, and packer arrangement;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 only showing portions brokenaway and a plant in position to drop through a plant release station;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 only showing the probesinserted in planting media and the plant positioned in an internal plantreceiving receptacle;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 only showing release of theplant through a plant discharge opening between probe ends;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 only showing retraction of theprobes and packing of the plant media about the plant;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a fragmented side elevation view showing a preferredpacker arrangement;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the preferred packer;

[0023]FIGS. 9 and 10 are detail operational views of preferred probesand probe actuators;

[0024]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the plant magazine;

[0025]FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the plant magazine and plantrelease station; and

[0026]FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred magazinecomprised of three sets of plant holders and their associated drivemechanisms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance ofthe constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote theprogress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

[0028] Before entering into detailed discussions of various elements ofthe preferred forms of my invention, general aspects of the inventionwill be described.

[0029] In a first aspect, the expandable stinger planter 10 generallyincludes a stinger mounting frame 12 and a stinger 14 with a pair ofelongated probes 16 mounted to the stinger mounting frame 12 andextending to bottom ends 18 that are configured for ground penetration.An actuator assembly 20 (FIG. 3) is provided on the stinger mountingframe 12 and is connected to at least one of the probes 16 to shift thebottom ends 18 relative to one another between a closed position (FIG. 3and others) wherein the bottom ends 18 are at least substantially closedtogether, and an open position (FIG. 5 and others) wherein the bottomends 18 are opened and form a plant discharge opening 22. An internalplant receiving receptacle 24 (FIG. 4) within the probes 16 is open tothe plant discharge opening 22. A plant magazine 26 on the stingermounting frame 12 is configured to receive and organize a plurality ofplants P in a prescribed array. The plant magazine 26 includes at leastone plant release station 28, through which successive plants P may bedischarged into the plant receiving receptacle 24. A plant feeder 30 issituated adjacent the plant magazine 26 and is operable to move a plantP in the plant magazine 26 to the plant release station 28. The plantmagazine 26 and plant release station 28 are positioned above the plantreceiving receptacle 24 such that a plant P moved to the plant releasestation 28 may drop into the plant receiving receptacle 24, to bedischarged from the plant receiving receptacle 24 through the plantdischarge opening 22.

[0030] In another aspect, the expandable stinger planter 10 is providedin combination with a vehicle 33 including a movable boom 36 extendingto a boom end 38. A stinger mounting frame 12 is mounted to the boom end38 for movement responsive to movement of the boom 36. A stinger 14,comprised of a pair of elongated probes 16 that are mounted to thestinger mounting frame 12. The probes extend to bottom ends 18 that areconfigured for ground penetration. An actuator assembly 20 on thestinger mounting frame 12, is connected to at least one of the probes toshift the bottom ends 18 relative to one another between a closedposition wherein the bottom ends 18 are at least substantially closedtogether, and an open position wherein the bottom ends 18 are opened andform a plant discharge opening 22. An internal plant receivingreceptacle 24 within the probes 16 is open to the plant dischargeopening 22. A plant magazine 26 on the stinger mounting frame 12 isconfigured to receive and organize a plurality of plants P in aprescribed array. The plant magazine includes at least one plant releasestation 28 through which successive plants P may be discharged into theplant receiving receptacle 24. A plant feeder 30 adjacent the plantmagazine is operable to move a plant P in the plant magazine 26 to theplant release station 28. The plant magazine 26 and plant releasestation 28 are positioned in relation to the plant receiving receptacle24 such that a plant P moved to the plant release station 28 may dropinto the plant receiving receptacle 24, to be discharged from the plantreceiving receptacle 24 through the plant discharge opening 22.

[0031] In a still further aspect, the expandable stinger planter 10includes a stinger mounting frame 12. A stinger 14, comprised of a pairof elongated probes 16 mounted to the stinger mounting frame 12 andextending to bottom ends 18 configured for ground penetration. Anactuator assembly 20 on the stinger mounting frame 12, is connected toat least one of the probes 16 to shift the bottom ends 18 relative toone another between a closed position wherein the bottom ends 18 are atleast substantially closed together, and an open position wherein thebottom ends 18 are opened and form a plant discharge opening 22. Aninternal plant receiving receptacle 24 (within the probes) is open tothe plant discharge opening 22. At least one packer member 40 isoperably mounted to the stinger mounting frame 12 and is positionedadjacent the probes 16.

[0032] In a yet further aspect, the expandable stinger planter 10includes a vehicle 33 including a movable boom 36 extending to a boomend 38. A stinger mounting frame 12 is mounted to the boom end 38 formovement responsive to movement of the boom 36. A stinger 14, comprisedof a pair of elongated probes 16 is mounted to the stinger mountingframe 12 and extends to bottom ends 18 that are configured for groundpenetration. An actuator assembly 20 on the stinger mounting frame isconnected to at least one of the probes 16 to shift the bottom ends 18relative to one another between a closed position wherein the bottomends 18 are at least substantially closed together, and an open positionwherein the bottom ends 18 are opened and form a plant discharge opening22. An internal plant receiving receptacle 24 within the probes 16 thatis open to the plant discharge opening 22. At least one packer member 40is operably mounted to the stinger mounting frame 12 and positionedadjacent the probes 16.

[0033] Another aspect includes a planting process, comprising mounting astinger mounting frame 12 to a boom 36 of a boom type excavator 33. Astinger 14 is mounted to the stinger mounting frame 12 and is comprisedof a pair of elongated probes 16 extending to bottom ends 18 that aremovable between an open position wherein the bottom 18 ends are spacedapart to form a plant discharge opening 22, and a closed positionwherein the probe ends 18 are closed together. The process furtherincludes providing a plant magazine on the stinger mounting frame;placing plants in the magazine; moving a selected plant in the magazineto a plant release station; moving the selected plant from the plantrelease station to a position between the probes in the closed position;operating the boom to drive the bottom ends of the probes into aplanting media; moving the probes to the open position; and lifting theprobes from the planting media while leaving the plant in the plantingmedia.

[0034] Referring now in greater detail to various preferred elements,attention is firstly directed to FIG. 1 where a preferred form of theplanter 10 includes a combination in which the stinger 14 and relatedelements are provided along with a boom type vehicle such as theillustrated excavator 33. Thus the present planter 10 may thus beproduced and distributed in combination with the vehicle 33.

[0035] It is also pointed out that a subcombination (see FIG. 2) mayalso be provided, which may include the same stinger 14 and relatedelements configured to be attached or retrofitted to an existing boomtype vehicle 33. Thus, the stinger mounting frame 12, and elements thatare mounted directly or indirectly thereto, may be produced anddistributed for subsequent mounting to the boom of an existing vehicle.

[0036] The preferred vehicle 33 in either combination or subcombinationform is conventional and will not be described in detail herein. It issufficient to note that the preferred vehicle is self powered andincludes a movable and extendable boom 36. Most preferably, the boom 36is articulated at a pivot 37 along the boom length, and includes a toolpivot ram 39 adjacent the boom end 38 which may be attached to thepreferred stinger mounting frame 12 to facilitate selective positioningof the stinger during planting procedures. Thus, vehicles with the aboveprovisions may include conventional forms of excavators or backhoes,boom trucks or the like and the term “excavator” as used herein shouldbe broadly construed.

[0037] To facilitate mounting of the stinger mounting frame 12,rearwardly extending mounting portions 13 (FIG. 1) of the frame 12extend to meet with the boom end 38. Appropriate bolts, pins or otherconventional fastening arrangements may be provided to connect the frame12 to the boom. It is preferred that the form of mounting arrangement beprovided in a manner by which the frame may be selectively pivoted byoperation of the preferred tool pivot ram 39. Thus mounted, the planter10 has the capability of articulation provided through operation of theboom and may be selectively positioned at locations in close proximityto the vehicle, or at distances within the boom reach. With thepreferred tool pivot ram 39, angular positioning of the stinger 14 mayalso be provided to accommodate for various terrain conditions.

[0038] It is pointed out that other mounting arrangements may beprovided between the stinger mounting frame 12 and vehicle. For example,a pivoted suspension arrangement could be provided as set forth in myprior U.S. patents as incorporated by reference above.

[0039] In reference to FIGS. 3 and others, a preferred probe arrangementis shown in which the two probe members 16 are exemplified as beingpivotally connected to one another such that movement of the probe ends18 between the open and closed conditions is effected about the pivotaxis. Such motion is preferably accomplished using the probe actuatorwhich, in the exemplified embodiments, may include linkages 50connecting the probes 16 and probe actuators 20. It is also preferablethat the probe actuators 20 and linkages 50 be positioned to oppositesides of the plant receiving receptacle 24 (which is preferably situatedbetween the probes and below the pivot).

[0040] More specifically, a preferred form of the linkages 50 mayinclude bell cranks 51 and idler links 52 pivotally mounted to thestinger mounting frame 12 and having ends thereof connected to the probeactuators and upward ends of the probes. The actuators may be providedin the form of hydraulic ram cylinders 53 as illustrated or otheractuator or linear actuator arrangements by which force is applied tocause movement of the probe ends 18 toward and away from one another. Itis preferable to provide individually moveable probes with actuators 20spaced to opposed sides of the plant receiving receptacle 24 tofacilitate downward reception of successive plants from the preferredmagazine 26 above. To this end, the ram cylinder actuators arepreferably mounted in substantial alignment with the probes 16.

[0041] Attention is now directed to the magazine 26 which is configuredto receive and organize a plurality of plants in a prescribed array. Inpreferred forms, the prescribed array is substantially circular. In morespecific preferred forms, the array may be comprised of concentric, atleast substantially circular groups of individual plant holders 59. Theholders may be of a tubular configuration and arranged in thesubstantially circular groups with the central tube axes beingpreferably substantially parallel. Further, the tubular holders, whilebeing parallel to one another in the concentric groups, are positionedto move into alignment with plant release stations 28 formed along abottom side of the magazine. These release stations 28, in turn, areoriented above the internal plant receiving receptacle 24 which isformed as a pocket between the probes 16. Plants are therefore permittedto selectively drop through the plant release stations 28 and into theplant receiving receptacle 24.

[0042] The individual plant holders 59 may be arranged, as indicatedabove, in concentric groups, as exemplified in schematic form by FIG.13. It is preferred that each of the groups be individually rotatedabout an axis by the plant feeder, which may be comprised of a rotarydrive 60 for each group. Such drive may be comprised of electric,hydraulic, or pneumatic motors, one for each group, and connected bymeans of belts, pulleys, drive wheels, sprocket and chain arrangements,(FIGS. 11, dashed lines, and FIG. 13) or similar mechanism by whichoperation of the drive motors will cause corresponding rotation of theassociated groups of plant holders. It is preferred that such rotationbe indexed by appropriate conventional controls such as limit switchesor similar devices, so that each group of plant holders may be indexedto move successive plant holders in sequence over the associated plantrelease stations 28.

[0043] The plant release stations 28 may be simply comprised of a holeformed through a bottom portion of the magazine. However, it ispreferred that a trap door arrangement 29 (FIGS. 3, 12, and others) beprovided which may be pivoted by the dropping plants and which maytrigger appropriate signaling devices such as a light or annunciator, toindicate passage of a plant P from the magazine 26 and into the internalplant receiving receptacle 24. This may once again involve standardswitching arrangements and circuitry to identify to the user that aplant is in position within the receptacle 24 and is ready for the nextoperation in the planting procedure.

[0044] It is pointed out that the controls and various drive mechanismsmay be powered by appropriate connections to power sources supplied onthe associated vehicle 33. Such controls and connections are believed tobe well within the ordinary skill of control designers and will not bedescribed in detail herein.

[0045] In preferred forms of the present planter 10, a packerarrangement 40 may be provided. Details of a preferred packer areexemplified by the drawings, especially in FIGS. 7, 8 and others. Inpreferred forms, two of the packer arrangements are provided, one foreach of the probes 16. Further, it is preferred that the packers 40 bemoveable with the probes and be individually controlled to facilitatepacking of the planting media or ground surface once the probes havebeen withdrawn and the plant is in place.

[0046] To accomplish the above, the exemplary probe arrangements may bemounted to the stinger mounting frame 12 adjacent an associate probe.The preferred packer member is a wheel 62 slidable mounted by a slidecarriage 71 and guide rod arrangements 63 to the stinger mounting frame12. The preferred packer wheel 62 is also moveable responsive to abiasing member 64 that normally urges the associated packer membertoward the probe bottom ends 18.

[0047] In the preferred forms as illustrated, the packer biasing members64 may be comprised of gas-filled cylinders and appropriate valving thatmay be selectively adjusted to determine the amount of yieldableresistance to downward pressure placed against the packers during theplanting operation. The gas-filled cylinders may be mounted between theguide arrangement and pivoted packer brackets 65 which are pivotallymounted to the guide at one end, and mount the packer wheels at opposedends. Thus, the gas-filled cylinders will normally urge the brackets andpacker wheels downwardly toward the probe ends 18 and will allow upwardmovement only upon overcoming the resistance offered by the pressurizedcylinders.

[0048] The guide arrangements and packers may be selectively moved alonga length of the probes by provision of positioners 70. The positionersmay be provided in the form of hydraulic ram cylinders 72 mountedbetween the stinger mounting frame 12 and guide carriages 71 (that mountthe packers 40 and biasing members 64) such that extension andretraction of the cylinders will cause resulting linear motion of thepackers along the probes 16. The positioner cylinders 72 may also beattached to and controlled from the vehicle 33. It is noted however,that it may be preferred to operate the positioners independently (seeFIG. 5) in order to facilitate positioning of the packers 40 in uneventerrain conditions, or in other possible circumstances where, forexample, it may even be desired to use one packer instead of both.

[0049] Operation of the planter will be discussed now in terms of theprocess for planting. The process may initially begin by mounting thestinger mounting frame 12 to the boom of a boom-type excavator. Thisstep may be performed at a factory where the combination may beassembled with the boom and vehicle.

[0050] On the other hand, if the stinger mounting frame and associatedelements are provided as a subassembly for connection to an existingboom-type vehicle, the mounting procedure is accomplished simply byremoving any existing tools from the boom end, and attaching the stingermounting frame by provision of the mounting brackets and connectionfasteners. At this point, appropriate electric and hydraulic connectionsmay also be made to facilitate operation of the device. Once the frameis appropriately mounted and driving connections are made, the plantingprocedure may continue.

[0051] Individual plants may be hand-fed to the plant holders 59 withinthe magazine 26. There is no necessity that the plants be of the samevariety, or that they be of a particular size.

[0052] Once the desired number of plants are loaded into the holders 59,the vehicle operator may move the vehicle into a position where plantingis to occur. The operator may then use the appropriate controls to movethe boom into position with the probes 18 engaging the ground or otherplant media at a selected site. Appropriate controls are then operatedto force the probes into the ground to a desired depth (FIG. 4). At thistime or slightly previous to this time, the user may operate the plantfeeder 40 by selecting one of the rotary drive assemblys 60 to bring aselected plant P into alignment with an adjacent plant release station28. Once the selected plant holder comes into alignment with the releasestation, the plant will drop freely through the release station 28 andinto the plant receiving receptacle 24 between the closed probes 16. Theplant is now in position to be released.

[0053] Once the probes reach the desired depth in the planting medium,the actuators 20 may be operated to open the probes (FIG. 5) therebydischarging the plant through the plant discharge opening 22 that formsbetween the probe ends 18. The boom may then be operated to lift theprobes upwardly and leave the plant in the deposited position (FIG. 6).

[0054] If it is desired, the packers 40 may be operated at this point tomove into engagement with the ground surface and be forcefullypositioned to opposite sides of the plant in order to press the groundor planting media into position about the plant. Selective resistanceoffered by the biasing members 64 for the packers may be used toeliminate the need for precise control of the boom position toaccomplish the desired packing results.

[0055] It is noted that the packers 40 may simply be used to press theground or planting media inwardly against the plant as the probes arewithdrawn. It is also possible, especially with the wheel configurationsillustrated, to move the boom slightly in a back, forward or back andforward motion; moving the packer wheels along the surface to press theplanting media against the plant and to produce a water gathering troughor recess along the surface area around the plant.

[0056] Once the packing operation is complete, the user may lift theboom and move the probes to another location to repeat the plantingprocess.

[0057] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been describedin language more or less specific as to structural and methodicalfeatures. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the specific features shown and described, since the meansherein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention intoeffect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

1. An expandable stinger planter, comprising: a stinger mounting frame;a stinger comprised of a pair of elongated probes mounted to the stingermounting frame and extending to bottom ends configured for groundpenetration; an actuator assembly on the stinger mounting frame andconnected to at least one of the probes to shift the bottom endsrelative to one another between a closed position wherein the bottomends are at least substantially closed together, and an open positionwherein the bottom ends are opened and form a plant discharge opening;an internal plant receiving receptacle within the probes that is open tothe plant discharge opening; a plant magazine on the stinger mountingframe configured to receive and organize a plurality of plants in aprescribed array; wherein the plant magazine includes at least one plantrelease station, through which successive plants may be discharged intothe plant receiving receptacle; and a plant feeder adjacent the plantmagazine and operable to move a plant in the plant magazine to the plantrelease station; wherein the plant magazine and plant release stationare positioned above the plant receiving receptacle such that a plantmoved to the plant release station may drop into the plant receivingreceptacle, to be discharged from the plant receiving receptacle throughthe plant discharge opening.
 2. An expandable stinger planter as definedby claim 1, wherein the pair of elongated probes are pivotably mountedto the stinger mounting frame, wherein the actuator assembly iscomprised of: probe actuators mounted on the stinger mounting frame;linkages connecting the probes and probe actuators; and wherein theprobe actuators and linkages are positioned to opposed sides of theplant receiving receptacle.
 3. An expandible stinger planter as definedby claim 2 wherein the linkages include bellcrank and idler linkspivotably mounted to the stinger mounting frame and having ends thereofconnected to the probe actuators and probes.
 4. An expandable stingerplanter as defined by claim 2 wherein the probe actuators are comprisedof ram cylinders mounted in substantial alignment with the probes.
 5. Anexpandable stinger planter as defined by claim 1 wherein the stingermounting frame includes an excavator boom mounting bracket withattachment points spaced to accommodate an excavator boom end.
 6. Anexpandable stinger planter as defined by claim 5 wherein the stingermounting frame and excavator boom mounting bracket are integral.
 7. Anexpandable stinger planter as defined by claim 1, further comprising atleast one packer member operably mounted to the stinger mounting frameand positioned adjacent the probes.
 8. An expandable stinger planter asdefined by claim 7 further comprising a packer biasing member normallyurging the packer member toward the probe bottom ends.
 9. An expandablestinger planter as defined by claim 7 wherein the packer member iscomprised of a packer wheel, and further comprising a packer wheelbiasing member normally urging the packer wheel toward the probe bottomends.
 10. An expandable stinger planter as defined by claim 7, furthercomprising a packer positioner mounting the packer to the stingermounting frame for selective motion toward and away from the probebottom ends.
 11. An expandable stinger planter as defined by claim 7,further comprising: a packer positioner mounting the packer to thestinger mounting frame for selective motion toward and away from theprobe bottom ends; and a packer biasing member mounted to the packerpositioner and packer, yieldably urging the packer member toward theprobe bottom ends.
 12. An expandable stinger planter as defined by claim1, wherein the probes include a length dimension and are joined forpivotal movement at a probe pivot axis that is located approximatelymid-way along the length dimension.
 13. An expandable stinger planter asdefined by claim 1 wherein the array is at least substantially circular.14. An expandable stinger planter as defined by claim 1, wherein themagazine is comprised of concentric, at least substantially circulargroups of individual plant holders.
 15. An expandable stinger planter asdefined by claim 14 further comprising a plant release station for eachgroup of plant holders, and a rotary drive operable to rotate each groupabout an axis past the plant release station.
 16. An expandable stingerplanter, comprising: a vehicle including a movable boom extending to aboom end; a stinger mounting frame mounted to the boom end for movementresponsive to movement of the boom; a stinger comprised of a pair ofelongated probes mounted to the stinger mounting frame and extending tobottom ends configured for ground penetration; an actuator assembly onthe stinger mounting frame and connected to at least one of the probesto shift the bottom ends relative to one another between a closedposition wherein the bottom ends are at least substantially closedtogether, and an open position wherein the bottom ends are opened andform a plant discharge opening; an internal plant receiving receptaclewithin the probes that is open to the plant discharge opening; a plantmagazine on the stinger mounting frame configured to receive andorganize a plurality of plants in a prescribed array; wherein the plantmagazine includes at least one plant release station, through whichsuccessive plants may be discharged into the plant receiving receptacle;and a plant feeder adjacent the plant magazine and operable to move aplant in the plant magazine to the plant release station; wherein theplant magazine and plant release station are positioned in relation tothe plant receiving receptacle such that a plant moved to the plantrelease station may drop into the plant receiving receptacle, to bedischarged from the plant receiving receptacle through the plantdischarge opening.
 17. An expandable stinger planter as defined by claim16, wherein the pair of elongated probes are pivotably mounted to thestinger mounting frame, wherein the actuator assembly is comprised of:probe actuators mounted on the stinger mounting frame; linkagesconnecting the probes and probe actuators; and wherein the probeactuators and linkages are positioned to opposed sides of the plantreceiving receptacle.
 18. An expandible stinger planter as defined byclaim 17 wherein the linkages include bellcrank and idler linkspivotably mounted to the stinger mounting frame and having ends thereofconnected to the probe actuators and probes.
 19. An expandable stingerplanter as defined by claim 17 wherein the probe actuators are comprisedof ram cylinders mounted in substantial alignment with the probes. 20.An expandable stinger planter as defined by claim 16 wherein the stingermounting frame includes an excavator boom mounting bracket withattachment points spaced to accommodate an excavator boom end.
 21. Anexpandable stinger planter as defined by claim 20 wherein the stingermounting frame and excavator boom mounting bracket are integral.
 22. Anexpandable stinger planter as defined by claim 16, further comprising atleast one packer member operably mounted to the stinger mounting frameand positioned adjacent the probes.
 23. An expandable stinger planter asdefined by claim 22 further comprising a packer biasing member normallyurging the packer member toward the probe bottom ends.
 24. An expandablestinger planter as defined by claim 22 wherein the packer member iscomprised of a packer wheel, and further comprising a packer wheelbiasing member normally urging the packer wheel toward the probe bottomends.
 25. An expandable stinger planter as defined by claim 22, furthercomprising a packer positioner mounting the packer to the stingermounting frame for selective motion toward and away from the probebottom ends.
 26. An expandable stinger planter as defined by claim 22,further comprising: a packer positioner mounting the packer to thestinger mounting frame for selective motion toward and away from theprobe bottom ends; and a packer biasing member mounted to the packerpositioner and packer, yieldably urging the packer member toward theprobe bottom ends.
 27. An expandable stinger planter as defined by claim16, wherein the array is at least substantially circular.
 28. Anexpandable stinger planter as defined by claim 16, wherein the magazineis comprised of concentric, at least substantially circular groups ofindividual plant holders.
 29. An expandable stinger planter as definedby claim 28 further comprising a plant release station for each group ofplant holders, and a rotary drive operable to rotate each group about anaxis past the plant release station.
 30. An expandable stinger planter,comprising: a stinger mounting frame; a stinger comprised of a pair ofelongated probes mounted to the stinger mounting frame and extending tobottom ends configured for ground penetration; an actuator assembly onthe stinger mounting frame and connected to at least one of the probesto shift the bottom ends relative to one another between a closedposition wherein the bottom ends are at least substantially closedtogether, and an open position wherein the bottom ends are opened andform a plant discharge opening; an internal plant receiving receptaclewithin the probes that is open to the plant discharge opening; and atleast one packer member operably mounted to the stinger mounting frameand positioned adjacent the probes.
 31. The expandable stinger planterof claim 30 further comprising a packer positioner mounting the packerto the stinger mounting frame for selective motion toward and away fromthe probe bottom ends; and a packer biasing member mounted to the packerpositioner and packer, yieldably urging the packer member toward theprobe bottom ends.
 32. The expandable stinger planter of claim 30,further comprising a packer positioner mounting the packer to thestinger mounting frame for selective motion toward and away from theprobe bottom ends.
 33. The expandable stinger planter of claim 30,further comprising a packer biasing member, yieldably urging the packermember toward the probe bottom ends.
 34. The expandable stinger planterof claim 33 wherein the packer biasing member is comprised of anadjustable pneumatic spring.
 35. An expandable stinger planter,comprising: a vehicle including a movable boom extending to a boom end;a stinger mounting frame mounted to the boom end for movement responsiveto movement of the boom; a stinger comprised of a pair of elongatedprobes mounted to the stinger mounting frame and extending to bottomends configured for ground penetration; an actuator assembly on thestinger mounting frame and connected to at least one of the probes toshift the bottom ends relative to one another between a closed positionwherein the bottom ends are at least substantially closed together, andan open position wherein the bottom ends are opened and form a plantdischarge opening; an internal plant receiving receptacle within theprobes that is open to the plant discharge opening; and at least onepacker member operably mounted to the stinger mounting frame andpositioned adjacent the probes.
 36. A planting process, comprising thesteps of: mounting a stinger mounting frame to a boom of a boom typeexcavator; wherein a stinger is mounted to the stinger mounting frameand is comprised of a pair of elongated probes extending to bottom endsthat are movable between an open position wherein the bottom ends arespaced apart to form a plant discharge opening, and a closed positionwherein the probe ends are closed together; providing a plant magazineon the stinger mounting frame; placing plants in the magazine; moving aselected plant in the magazine to a plant release station; moving theselected plant from the plant release station to a position between theprobes in the closed position; operating the boom to drive the bottomends of the probes into a planting media; moving the probes to the openposition; and lifting the probes from the planting media while leavingthe plant in the planting media.
 37. The planting process of claim 36comprising the further step of packing the planting media about theplant.
 38. The planting process of claim 36 wherein the step of movingthe selected plant from the plant release station to a position betweenthe probes in the closed position is accomplished by dropping the plantfrom a location above the position between the probes.